List of Christmas carols
This list of Christmas carols is organized by language of origin. Originally, a "Christmas carol " referred to a piece of vocal music in carol form whose lyrics centre on the theme of Christmas or the Christmas season . The difference between a Christmas carol and a Christmas popular song can often be unclear as they are both sung by groups of people going house to house during the Christmas season. Some view Christmas carols to be only religious in nature and consider Christmas songs to be secular.[ 1]
Many traditional Christmas carols focus on the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus , while others celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas that range from 25 December to 5 January or Christmastide which ranges from 24 December to 5 January. As a result, many Christmas Carols can be related to St Stephen's Day (26 December), St John's Day (27 December), Feast of Holy Innocents (28 December), St Sylvester's Day (31 December), and the Epiphany . Examples of this are "We Three Kings " (an Epiphany song), and "Good King Wenceslas " (a carol for St. Stephen's Day ). Nonetheless, some other categories of Christmas music , both religious and secular, have become associated with the Christmas season even though the lyrics may not specifically refer to Christmas – for example, "Deck the Halls " (no religious references)[clarification needed and "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel " (an Advent chant). Other Christmas music sung by carolers focuses on more secular Christmas themes, and winter carols and novelty Christmas songs often refer to winter scenes, family gatherings, and Santa Claus ("Jingle Bells ", "O Christmas Tree ", "Home for the Holidays ", "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas ", "Frosty the Snowman ", "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town ", etc.).
Afrikaans
Title
Composer / lyricist
Year
Notes
"Somerkersfees"
Koos du Plessis
Title translation: "Summer Christmas"
Arabic
Title
Composer / lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Laylat Al-Milad"
Traditional Maronite Hymn
Title translation: "Christmas Eve"
Catalan
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Fum, Fum, Fum " ("El vint-i-cinc de desembre")
Traditional
16th century
The word "fum" may imitate the sound of a drum (or perhaps the strumming of a guitar). "Fum" means "smoke"(noun) in Catalan.
"El cant dels ocells " (lit. "Song of the Birds")
Traditional; Pablo Casals arranged the song for cello
Lyrics are printed in 17th century
also known as "Carol of Birds"
"El Noi de la Mare " (lit. "The Son of the Mother")
Traditional
17th-18th century
Also known as "Carol of the Gifts"[ 2]
"A Betlem me'n vull anar" (lit. "I want to go to Bethlehem")
Traditional
"El dimoni escuat" (lit. "the devil with no tail")
Traditional
"Ara ve Nadal" (lit. "Christmas is coming")
Traditional
"Les dotze van tocant" (lit. "Ringing twelve o'clock")
Traditional
"Descanseu ben alegres" (lit. "Rest very happy")
Traditional
"Pastorets de la muntanya" (lit. "Shepherds from the mountain")
Traditional
"El desembre congelat" (lit. "Frozen December")
Traditional
"Sant Josep i la Mare de Déu" (lit. "Saint Joseph and the Mother of God")
Traditional
"La pastora Caterina" (lit. "Caterina, the shepherd")
Traditional
"Anem a Betlem" (lit. "We're going to Bethlehem")
Traditional
"El rabadà" (lit. "The shepherd")
Traditional
Cebuano
Title
Composer / lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Kasadya Ning Taknaa " (lit. "How Merry is This Hour")
Vicente Rubi / Mariano Vestil
1933
More popularly known by its loose translation in Tagalog as "Ang Pasko ay Sumapit" (lit. "Christmas Has Come").
Chinese
The English titles are taken from the Hymns of Universal Praise Chinese New Hymnal
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
聖誕歌 Shèngdàn Gē (The Moon and Stars of Christmas Eve)
Bliss Wiant (Chinese name: 范天祥 Fàn Tiānxiáng) / 田景福 (Tián Jǐngfú)
1934 / 1933
Title from the Hymns of Universal Praise Yīlún Míngyuè Gē by its first line in the Chinese New Hymnal
明星燦爛歌 Míngxīng Cànlàn Gē (Midnight, Sleeping Bethlehem)
梁季芳 (Liáng Jìfāng) / 楊鏡秋 (Yáng Jìngqiū)
1934 / 1930
聖夜靜歌 Shèngyè Jìng Gē (Crystal Night, Stilly Night)
史奇珪 (Shǐ Qíguī) / 朱味腴 (Zhū Wèiyú) and 吳敬人 (Wú Jìngrén)
1982 / 1921
聖誕感恩歌 Shèngdàn Gǎn'ēn Gē (Jesus Our Saviour, Word Incarnate)
林聲本 (Lín Shēngběn) / 任大齡 (Rén Dàlíng)
1981
歡樂佳音歌 Huānlè Jiāyīn Gē (Shout the Glad Tidings)
Chinese traditional melody / Anonymous
20th century
The version in the Chinese New Hymnal Chinese Hymnary (頌主聖歌).
聖誕敘事 Shèngdàn Xùshì (Idyll of Christmas)
段毓貞 (Duàn Yùzhēn)
1954
拜謁聖嬰 Bàiyè Shèngyīng (Worship the Holy Infant)
史奇珪 / 徐曉鴻 (Xú Xiǎohóng)
2007 / 2004
馬槽耶穌 Mǎcáo Yēsū (Jesus in the Manger)
史奇珪
1952, revised 2009
佳音歌 Jiāyīn Gē (Song of Good Tidings)
吳安娜 (Wú Ānnà) / 王賢軍 (Wáng Xiánjūn)
1999
Croatian
Carol
Composer / Lyricist
Year
published
Notes
"U to vrijeme godišta" ("At that time of the year")
Traditional
12th century
"Svim na Zemlji, mir, veselje" ("All on Earth, peace, joy")
Franjo Langer/Adam Alojzij Baričević
18th century
"Radujte se narodi" ("Nations rejoice")
Franjo Langer/Adam Alojzij Baričević
18th century
"Narodi nam se" ("Born unto us")
Traditional
13th century
"Tri kralja jahahu" ("Three kings were riding")
Traditional
1912.
From Istria
"Veselje ti navješćujem" ("Joy I preach you")
Franjo Langer/Adam Alojzij Baričević
18th century
"O Betleme" ("Oh, Betlehem")
Franjo Langer/Adam Alojzij Baričević
18th century
"Oj, pastiri" ("Oy, shepherds")
Traditional
"Djetešce nam se rodilo" ("A child was born unto us")
Traditional
" Veseli se Majko Božja" ("Rejoice, Mother of God")
Vladoje Bersa
1906.
From Knin
Czech
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Nesem vám noviny" ("We bring you good news, hark!")
traditional from Bohemia
"Come, All Ye Shepherds" (Mari Ruef Hofer, 1912) Kommet, ihr Hirten " (Carl Riedel , ca. 1870)
"Půjdem spolu do Betléma" ("Let's all go to Bethlehem.")
traditional from Bohemia
"Štědrý večer nastal" ("Christmas Eve has come.")
traditional from Bohemia
"Pásli ovce valaši" ("The Wallachians were grazing their sheep.")
traditional from Bohemia
"Narodil se Kristus pán " ("Jesus was born")
traditional from Bohemia
1505
"Den přeslavný jest k nám přišel" ("The glorious day has arrived")
traditional from Bohemia
"Jak si krásné neviňátko" ("How beautiful you are, baby (means Jesus)")
traditional from Bohemia
"Zither Carol"
Czech folk tune - Sedlák, sedlák
1958
English lyrics by Malcolm Sargent , set to a traditional tune.[ 3]
"Svatý Václave" (religious hymn from XII century)
words: John Mason Neale , music: tune from Piae Cantiones
1853
rendered in English as "Good King Wenceslas "
Danish
The list is based primarily on carols and hymns mentioned in the Song Book for the Danish Folk High School.[ 4]
Where possible, a carol title is linked to its (Danish) Wikipedia entry, where the carol can be heard. Otherwise, a carol title has been linked to its entry at the Danish Hymn Book Online.[ 5]
Carolling, i.e. dancing around, is practised - probably unintentionally - in Danish Christmas tradition, when a Christmas party join hands forming a chain around the family Christmas tree and walk, dance or run around the Christmas tree depending on the Christmas carol or song sung.
Carol
Composer/Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Blomstre som en rosengård [da ] "
J.P.E. Hartmann / N.F.S. Grundtvig
1861 / 1837, 1853
Advent
"Dejlig er den himmel blå [da ] "
J.G. Meidell / N.F.S. Grundtvig
ca. 1840 / 1853, 1864
Epiphany
"Dejlig er jorden "
Silesian tune / B.S. Ingemann
18th century / 1850
"Den yndigste rose er funden [da ] " tune
Joseph Klug / H.A. Brorson
1542 / 1732
"Det første lys er Ordet talt af Gud"
Bjarne Haahr / Johannes Johansen
1978 / 1974
Advent
"Det kimer nu til julefest "
C. Balle / N.F.S. Grundtvig
1850 / 1817, 1837
"En rose så jeg skyde"
Cöln / trans. from Praetorius by Th. Laub
1599 / 1609 trans.1920
"Es ist ein Ros entsprungen "
"En sød og liflig klang"
Trier, Joseph Klug / German trans., Martin Luther , Hans Thomissøn, N.F.S. Grundtvig
1482, 1533 / 14th century, 1529 and 1545, 1569, 1837
"Puer natus in Bethlehem "
German tune / N.F.S. Grundtvig
Ca. 1600 / 1820
Based on a medieval Latin hymn "Puer natus in Bethlehem ", publ. in Danish in the hymn books of Hans Tausen and Hans Thomissøn in 1553 and 1569, resp.
A children's favourite.
"Et lidet barn så lysteligt"
C. Balle / N.F.S. Grundtvig
1855 / 1843
"Hjerte, løft din glædes vinger"
Joh. Crüger / Paul Gerhardt , trans. C.J. Brandt
1653 / 1653, trans. 1878
"I denne søde juletid"
C. Balle / H.A. Brorson
1855 / 1732, 1739
"Ind under jul"
Morten Eskesen / Jonas Lie
1876 / 1865
"Julebudet til dem, der bygge"
J.P.E. Hartmann / J. Chr. Hostrup
1890 / 1881,1884
"Julen har bragt velsignet bud"
C.E.F Weyse / B.S. Ingemann
1841 / 1839
"Julen har englelyd"
A.P. Berggreen / N.F.S. Grundtvig
1852 / 1845, 1851
"Kimer, I klokker [da ] "
H. Rung / N.F.S. Grundtvig
1857 / 1856
"Resonet in laudibus "
Pre-Reformation tune / N.F.S. Grundtvig and Th. Laub
Pre-Reformation / 1837, 1873 and 1890
"Mit hjerte altid vanker"
Carl Nielsen / H.A. Brorson
1919 / 1732
"Lille Guds barn, hvad skader dig?"
Traditional / N.F.S. Grundtvig
/ 1870
Advent
"Velkommen igen, Guds engle små"
A.P. Berggreen alt. C.E.F. Weyse / N.F.S. Grundtvig
1834 alt. 1836 / 1825, 1850
Lyrics written the night before Christmas Day
"Vær velkommen, Herrens år [da ] "
A.P. Berggreen / N.F.S. Grundtvig from a medieval Danish Advent hymn
1852 / 1849, 1852
Advent
"Vær velkommen, Herrens år [da ] "
A.P. Berggreen / N.F.S. Grundtvig from a medieval Danish Advent hymn
1852 / 1849
Epiphany
Dutch
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Nu Syt Wellekome"[ 6] [better source needed
Traditional melody
Probably 15th Century
First found in Begijnhof Manuscript (ca. 1600)
"In dulci jubilo"
15th Century
First found in Utrecht Sint-Agnes Manuscript
"Een kind geboren in Bethlehem"
Dutch traditional
15th Century
Oldest find: Deventer Song Manuscript
"O, Kindeke klein, o, Kindeke teer"
1508
First published in Dit is een suverlijc boecxken
"Het was een maged uitverkoren"
Dutch traditional
1508
First published in D. Coelde van Munster - "Dit is een suverlijc boecxken"
"Herders, hij is geboren"
Dutch traditional
1645
First published in "Den blijden wegh tot Bethleem"
"Hoe leit dit kindeke"
Dutch traditional
ca. 1650
First published in Wilhelm Schepping, Die Wettener Liederhandschrift (Song Manuscript)
"Eer zij God in onze/deze dagen" a.k.a. "Engelkens, door het luchtruim zwevend"
Attributed to F.A. Schultz, who translated ancient Latin carol, "Gloria in excelsis Deo," into German
1857, possible previous publication ca. 1730
translation of "Gloria in excelsis Deo" into Dutch by Isaac Bikkers (often confused with "Ere zij God")
"De Herdertjes lagen bij nachte"
Dutch traditional
1852
First print in J. en L. Alberdingk Thijm, 'Oude en Nieuwere Kerst-Liederen'
"Maria die zoude naar Betlehem gaan"
Dutch traditional
1852
First printed in J. Alberdingk Thijm, Oude en Nieuwere Kerst-Liederen
"Ere zij God"[ 7]
Dutch original (often confused with "Eer zij God in onze/deze dagen")
1857
First print in Isaac Bikkers, Het nachtegaaltje - rendered into English as "Glory to God "
"Er is een kindeke geboren op aard"
Dutch traditional
1879
First published in Lootens en Feys, Chants populaires flamands
"Geen wiegje als rustplaats"
Dutch traditional
"Kling/Luidt, klokje/-s, klingelingeling"
Dutch traditional
"Komt allen tezamen"
From Latin hymn "Adeste Fideles"
"'t Is geboren het Goddelijk Kind"
From French noël
"Midden in de winternacht"
1943
Dutch text: Harry Prenen, melody: old Catalan carol
English
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year
Notes
"The Twelve Days of Christmas"
Traditional with additions by Frederic Austin
c. 1780
"Adam lay ybounden "
Set by numerous composers, most notably by Boris Ord and Peter Warlock
15th century
"A Christmas Carol"
words and music: Charles Ives
1897[ 8]
"A Great and Mighty Wonder"
lyrics: The words of St Germanus were translated by John Mason Neale (1818–1866)
tune: Michael Praetorius (1571–1621) written originally to the lyrics of Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming .
1599
"Angels from the Realms of Glory "
lyrics: James Montgomery ; music: Henry Thomas Smart, 1867, to the tune of "Regent Square". In the UK a slightly different arrangement of "Angels We Have Heard on High " ("Gloria ")
1816
"Angels We Have Heard on High "
based on traditional hymn "Gloria" (a French traditional carol "Les Anges dans nos Campagnes"); English translation by Bishop James Chadwick, tune arranged by Edward Shippen Barnes
1862
"As with Gladness Men of Old "
William Chatterton Dix
1867
Set to same tune as "For the Beauty of the Earth "
"Away in a Manger "
First two stanzas unknown, often erroneously attributed to Martin Luther; third stanza written by John McFarland (1904)
1882
More than 40 settings are known. Most popular US version is by James R. Murray (1887); The most popular UK version is by another American, William J. Kirkpatrick (1895)
"The Babe in Bethlem's Manger "
Kentish traditional
"Beautiful Star of Bethlehem"
Robert Fisher Boyce
1940
"Benedicamus Domino"
lyrics: Rev. C L Hutchins
1916
Several settings, including Ben Emberley (2022)
"Bethlehem Down "
Peter Warlock (composer)Bruce Blunt (poet)
1927
Mostly used in Christmas and Epiphany services of the Anglican church
"Boar's Head Carol "
English traditional
15th century
"Brightest and Best " ("Star of the East")
written by Reginald Heber
1811
Not to be confused with the American "Star of the East "
"Calypso Carol " ("See him lying on a bed of straw")
Michael Perry
1969
Written in 1964 for a college concert
"Candlelight Carol "
John Rutter
1984
"Carol of the Bells "
Mykola Leontoyvch , Peter J. Wilhousky
1904
The song is based on a folk chant known in Ukrainian as "Shchedryk".
"The Cherry-Tree Carol "
English traditional
"Children, Go Where I Send Thee "
traditional African American spiritual
"Christians, awake, salute the happy morn "
John Byrom , music by John Wainwright
c. 1750
Based on a poem of three 16 line stanzas, originally for the author's daughter, which was later reworked into singable verses.
"Christmas for Cowboys"
Steve Weisberg
1975
"Christmas Song "
Robert Wells and Mel Tormé
1945
"Come and I will sing you "
English traditional
Early 19th Century or before
Musicologist Cecil Sharp, influential in the folklore revival in England, noted in his 1916 One Hundred English Folksongs that the words are "so corrupt, indeed, that in some cases we can do little more than guess at their original meaning"
"Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus "
Charles Wesley
1749
Set to Hyfrydol
"Coventry Carol " ("Lullay, Thou Tiny Little Child")
English traditional
"Ding Dong Merrily on High "
music: Jehan Tabourot , words: George Ratcliffe Woodward
Tune originally entitled "Branle de l'Official".
"Down in Yon Forest "
English traditional
The "Corpus Christi Carol"
"Do You Hear What I Hear? "
written by Noël Regney and Gloria Shayne Baker
1962
"Far, Far Away on Judea's Plains "
words and music: John Menzies Macfarlane
1869
"The First Noel " ("The First Nowell")
English traditional
1823
First published in Carols Ancient and Modern by William Sandys
"The Friendly Beasts "
French Traditional
12th century
English by Robert Davis 1934
"Gabriel's Message "
translated into English by Sabine Baring-Gould
from the Basque traditional carol "Birjina gaztettobat zegoen"
"Gloucestershire Wassail "
English Traditional
18th century or earlier
Numerous publications of the present-day music were published in the 1800s along with variations of lyrics. It is known to have been sung at least as far back as the late 1700s.[ 9]
"Go Tell It on the Mountain "
African American spiritual dating at least to 1865
Lyrics by John W. Work
1865
"Good King Wenceslas "
English traditional
1853
John Mason Neale, Thomas Helmore
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen "
English traditional
c. 1760
Published by William Sandys ; author unknown
"Good Christian Men, Rejoice"
Heinrich Seuse
1328
English lyrics fitted to the Latin hymn-tune "In dulci jubilo "; also known as "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice"
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing "
*music: Felix Mendelssohn , words: Charles Wesley , amended by George Whitefield and Martin Madan
1739
originally as part of Festgesang , adapted and harmonised by William Hayman Cummings ; descant for verse 3 added in 1961 by Sir David Willcocks for the Carols for Choirs books
"Here We Come A-wassailing "
English traditional
c. "1850"
"The Holly and the Ivy "
English traditional
Huron Carol ("Jesous Ahatonhia")
Jean de Brébeuf
1643
"Jesus, he is born". Also known as "Twas in the Moon of Wintertime" after English translation (1926) by Jesse Edgar Middleton .
"I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day "
words: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Several settings of music have been popular:
Joseph Mainzer (1845)
John Baptiste Calkin (1872)
Johnny Marks (1956)
"I Saw Three Ships (Come Sailing In) "
English traditional
1833
Published by William Sandys .
"In the Bleak Midwinter "
words: Christina Rossetti , music: versions by Gustav Holst and Harold Darke
"Infant Holy, Infant Lowly " ("W żłobie leży")
Polish traditional
"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear "
words: Edmund Hamilton Sears
1849
music (US): "Carol" Richard Storrs Willis
music (UK): "Noel", melody arranged and adapted by Arthur Sullivan
"Jesus Christ the Apple Tree "
Elizabeth Poston
"Jingle Bells "
James Lord Pierpont
1857
Originally titled "One Horse Open Sleigh"; and written for a school Thanksgiving pageant.
"Joy to the World "
words: Isaac Watts based on Psalm 98 , music: arranged by Lowell Mason based on themes in Handel 's Messiah
1719
"Judea"
music: William Billings
"Little Donkey "
written by Eric Boswell
1959
"The Little Drummer Boy "
written by Katherine K. Davis
1941
"Love Came Down at Christmas "
words: Christina Rossetti , music: various
1885
"The Lord at first did Adam make "
words: West Country traditional
"Mary's Boy Child "
Jester Hairston[ 10]
1956
"Masters in This Hall "
written by William Morris
c. 1860
"Night of Silence"
words and music: Daniel Kantor
1981
written to be sung simultaneously with "Silent Night "
"O Come, All Ye Faithful " (Adeste Fideles)
17th century carol. English translation by Frederick Oakeley in 1841.
"O Holy Night "
words: Placide Cappeau de Rouquemaure , translated by John Sullivan Dwight , music: Adolphe Adam
1847
"O Little Town of Bethlehem "
words: Phillips Brooks
1867
music (US): Lewis H. Redner, music (UK): traditional tune: "Forest Green" (a.k.a. "The Ploughboy's Dream")
"Of the Father's Heart Begotten " ("Of the Father's Love Begotten")
music: tune from Piae Cantiones
"Once in Royal David's City "
words: Cecil Frances Humphreys Alexander , music: Henry John Gauntlett (Irby)
1849
"Past Three O'Clock " (or "Past Three a Clock")
English traditional, with verses written by George Ratcliffe Woodward
first published in The Cowley Carol Book Charles Wood
"Rise Up Shepherd and Foller"
African American spiritual[ 11]
c. 1909
Also known as "Rise Up Shepherd and Follow"
"The Rocking Carol "
Loose translation of Czech traditional carol "Hajej, nynej, Ježíšku" by Percy Dearmer
1928
First published in the Oxford Book of Carols (1928)
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer "
Johnny Marks
1949
"Sans Day Carol "
Cornish traditional
"See, amid the Winter's Snow "
words: Edward Caswall , music: John Goss
"The Seven Joys of Mary "
English traditional
"Shepherds Arise "
anon., Dorset
19th century
published 1926 by W. A. Pickard-Cambridge
"Silver Bells "
Jay Livingston and Ray Evans
1950
"Sir Christèmas "
composed by Rev. Richard Smart
15th century
"Sleep, Baby, Sleep"
words: John Addington Symonds
1885
Setting by Ben Emberley (2023)
"Star of the East "
written by Alfred Hans Zoller, translation by George Cooper in 1890, music by Amanda Kennedy in 1883
1890
Not to be confused with the English carol titled "Star of the East" or "Brightest and Best"
"Sussex Carol " ("On Christmas Night All Christians Sing")
English traditional
"Sweet Little Jesus Boy "
Robert MacGimsey
1934
Imitates the African American spiritual-style.
"This Endris Night "
Traditional
15th century
"There Is No Rose"
15th-century
numerous modern settings, by Benjamin Britten , John Joubert , Cheryl Frances-Hoad , etc.
"Torches"
composed by John Joubert
1951
"Unto Us a Boy is Born" ("Unto Us is Born a Son ")
English traditional
"A Virgin Unspotted " ("A Virgin Most Pure")
English traditional
"We Three Kings of Orient Are " ("Three Kings of Orient")
written by Rev. John Henry Hopkins
1863
An Epiphany carol
"What Child Is This? "
music: traditional English song "Greensleeves ", words: William Chatterton Dix
1865
"Whence Is That Lovely Fragrance Wafting" ("Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance Flowing?") ("Quelle est cette odeur agréable? ")
French traditional
"While by My Sheep I Watched at Night"
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks "
words: Nahum Tate , music (UK): "Winchester Old" from Este's Psalter adapted from Christopher Tye , music (US): adapted from Handel, 1728; arranged in Harmonia Sacra, 1812.
1700
"With Wondering Awe", the Wisemen Saw...
music and verse: Anon
"Wolcum Yole"
Written by Benjamin Britten
From "A Ceremony of Carols "
"Zither Carol"
"December in the North"
Estonian
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Kelgusõit" ("Sled Ride")
based on a 1905 poem by Reinhold Kamsen.
1913
Based on a Ukrainian folk tune.
"Läbi lume sahiseva" ("Through the Rustling Snow")
words by Juhan Aavik , melody by J. Janson.
1924
Based on an Estonian folk tune.
"Tiliseb, tiliseb aisakell" ("Tinkling, Tinkling Sleigh Bell")
words by Leonhard (Leo) Virkhaus, melody by Julius Oengo (J. Oro).
1934
The song has spread to over 70 countries, making it the most spread Estonian Christmas carol.
Filipino
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Ang Pasko ay Sumapit" (Christmas Has Come)
Tagalog lyrics by Levi Celerio : adapted from Cebuano lyrics by Vicente Rubi, Mariano Vestil
1933
A loose translation of the original Cebuano Kasadya ni'ng Táknaa
Finnish
French
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Noel Bourguignon" ("Burgundian Carol")
Bernard de La Monnoye
c. 1700
Translated into English by Oscar Brand
"Il est né, le divin Enfant "
Traditional French
c. 1875
Translated into English as "He Is Born, the Divine Christ Child"
"Les Anges dans nos campagnes"
Translated into English as "Angels We Have Heard on High "
"Minuit, Chrétiens" ("Cantique de Noël")
lyrics: Placide Cappeau , music: Adolphe Adam
1843 (lyrics), 1847 (music)
Translated into English as "O Holy Night "
"Noël nouvelet"
15th century[ 16]
Translated into English as "Sing We Now of Christmas"
"Patapan " ("Guillô, pran ton tamborin!")
Bernard de La Monnoye
Title translation: Willy, take your tambourine
"Petit Papa Noël "
lyrics: Raymond Vincy; music: Henri Martinet
1946
"C'est Noël "
lyrics: Jean Manse; music: Henri Betti
1956
Song written for the movie Honoré de Marseille with Fernandel
"Quelle est cette odeur agréable? "
Translated into English as "Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance Flowing?"
"Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle"
1553
Translated into English as "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella "
"La Marche Des Rois Mages"
13th century traditional
Translated into English as "March of the Kings" or "Sing Noel: A Christmas Fanfare" with words by Jay Althouse
"Entre le bœuf et l'âne gris "
13th or 16th century
Title translation: "Between the ox and the grey donkey"
"Çà, bergers, assemblons-nous"
music 15th/16th century; published 1701 with words by Simon-Joseph Pellegrin
Title translation: "Here, shepherds, let us gather". Adapted from "Où s'en vont ces gais bergers".
"Venez divin Messie"
music 16th century; published 18th century with words by Simon-Joseph Pellegrin
Translated in English as "O Come, Divine Messiah".
"D'où viens-tu, bergère? "
Traditional French
Title translation "Where are you coming from, shepherdess?"
"Dans cette étable"
words 19th century
Title translation: "In this stable". It is sung to the same music as "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen "
"Trois Anges (sont venus ce soir")
Traditional French
Title translation : "Three Angels have come tonight"
Galician
German
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Alle Jahre wieder " ("Every Year Again")
Friedrich Silcher /Wilhelm Hey
1837
"Am Weihnachtsbaum die Lichter brennen [de ] " ("literal: On the Christmas Trees the lights burn")
traditional /Hermann Kletke
1841
Translated into English as "Light the Christmas tree candles"
"Auf, Christen, singt festliche Lieder " ("literal: Come on, Christians, sing festive songs")
August Erthel [de ] / in Fulda
1778
Translated into English as "O Christians, Come Join in the Singing"
"Die Könige " (The Kings)
Peter Cornelius
1856 & 1870 (rewrote)
Translated into English as "The Three Kings " or "Three Kings From Persian Lands Afar" by W. G. Rothery in 1916
"Der Morgenstern ist aufgedrungen " (The morning star is risen)
Daniel Rumpius / Michael Praetorius
1587
"Es ist ein Ros entsprungen " ("A Rose Has Sprung Up")
Anonymous
16th century
Translated into English as "Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming", "Lo, There A Rose Is Blooming", "There Is A Flower Springing", "A great and mighty wonder"
"Es ist für uns eine Zeit angekommen " ("The Time Has Arrived for Us")
Swiss traditional
19th century
"Es kommt ein Schiff, geladen " ("A Ship is Coming, laden")
Andernach songbook
1608
"Es wird scho glei dumpa [de ] " ("It'll be dark soon")
Anton Reidinger
1884
Tirolean dialect song
"Freu dich, Erd und Sternenzelt " (Be joyful, Earth and starry sky)
1844
based on a Czech model
"Fröhliche Weihnacht überall [de ] " ("Merry Christmas Everywhere")
German and English traditional
"Fröhlich soll mein Herze springen " ("Merrily my heart shall leap")
Paul Gerhardt /Johann Crüger · Johann Georg Ebeling
1653 (lyrics)/
"Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ " ("Praise be to You, Jesus Christ")
Martin Luther
1524
"Herbei, oh ihr Gläubigen " ("O Come, All Ye Faithful")
Translation of "Adeste fideles" by Friedrich Heinrich Ranke in 1823.
17th century
"Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier " ("I stand here by your manger")
Paul Gerhardt /Martin Luther · Johann Sebastian Bach
1653 (lyrics)/
"Ihr Kinderlein, kommet " ("Oh, Come, Little Children")
Johann Abraham Peter Schulz /Christoph von Schmid
1794 (music)/
"In dulci jubilo " ("In Sweet Rejoicing")
Gerhard Tersteegen / Joachim Neander
1731
"Jauchzet, ihr Himmel " ("Rejoice, you Heavens")
traditional
14th century
"Kling Glöckchen " ("Ring Little Bell")
traditional /Karl Enslin
19th century
"Kommet, ihr Hirten " ("Come, you shepherds")
Carl Riedel after Czech "Nesem vám noviny"
c. 1870
"Kommt und lasst uns Christus ehren" ("Come, let us praise Christ") , from Latin "Quem pastores laudavere "
Bohemian traditional 15th century
"Come, and Christ the Lord be praising", "He whom joyous shepherds praised", and more
"Lasst uns das Kindlein grüßen" ("Let Us Greet the Little Child")
traditional
"Lasst uns das Kindlein wiegen" ("Let Us Cradle the Little Child")
Munich
1604
"Lasst uns froh und munter sein " ("Let Us Be Happy and Cheerful")
traditional from the Hunsrück
this song is traditionally sung at Nicholas Eve on 6 December
"Leise rieselt der Schnee " ("Softly Falls Every Snow Flake")
Eduard Ebel / Eduard Ebel
about 1900
"Lobt Gott, ihr Christen alle gleich " ("Praise God, you Christians equally")
Nikolaus Herman
1560
"Maria durch ein Dornwald ging " ("Mary Walks Amid the Thorns")
traditional from Hesse
16th century
"Menschen, die ihr wart verloren " ("Humans, you who were lost")
Christoph Bernhard Verspoell
1810
"Morgen, Kinder, wird's was geben [de ] " ("Tomorrow, Children, Something Will Happen")
Carl Gottlieb Hering / Philipp Bartsch
1850
"Morgen kommt der Weihnachtsmann [de ] " ("Tomorrow comes Santa Claus")
A. H. Hoffmann von Fallersleben
17th century
"Nun liebe Seel, nun ist es Zeit " ("Now, dear Soul, it is the time")
Georg Weissel
1642
"O du fröhliche " ("Oh You Joyful")
Johannes Daniel Falk / Heinrich Holzschuher
1816
"Oh, how joyfully", Christopher Wren , Together in song #330; "Oh thou joyful", Henry Katterjohn , Chalice Hymnal#169
"O Tannenbaum " ("O Christmas Tree")
German traditional/ E. Anschütz, A. Zarnack
18th century
translated into English as "O, Christmas Tree", 1824
"O Tannenbaum, du trägst ein grünen Zweig [de ] " ("O Christmas Tree, you Wear a Green Branch")
Westphalian traditional
"Schneeflöckchen, Weißröckchen " ("Little Snow Flake, Little White Coat")
Hedwig Haberkern
1869
"Stern über Bethlehem " ("Star above Bethlehem")
Alfred Hans Zoller
1964
star singers ' song
"Still, still, still " ("Hush, hush, hush")
Maria Vinzenz Süß / Georg Götsch
1865
"Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht "
Josef Mohr / Franz Xaver Gruber
1818
"Silent Night ", in the English translation by John Freeman Young
"Süßer die Glocken nie klingen " ("The Bells Never Sound Sweeter")
traditional /Wilhelm Kritzinger
"Tausend Sterne sind ein Dom " ("Thousands of Stars form a dome")
Siegfried Köhler
1946
"Tochter Zion, freue dich " ("Daughter Zion, Rejoice!")
George Frideric Handel
"Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her " ("From Heaven Above to Earth I Come")
traditional / Martin Luther
1539
"From heaven high I come to you", by Catherine Winkworth , Trinity Psalter Hymnal #304
"Vom Himmel hoch, o Engel, kommt " ("From Heaven Above, o Angels Come")
traditional from Cologne
1623
"Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern " ("How Lovely Shines the Morning Star")
Philipp Nicolai
16th century
"Zu Bethlehem geboren " ("Born in Bethlehem")
Friedrich Spee / French melody
1638
Sind die Lichter angezündet
Erika Engel / Hans Sandig
1950/1957
https://www.musicalion.com/de/scores/noten/222506/hans-sandig/44542/sind-die-lichter-angez%C3%BCndet#interpretation=1
Greek
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Βυζαντινά" ("Byzantine Carol")
Traditional carols from the Byzantine Era
11th century
(Byzantine Greek : Άναρχος θεός καταβέβηκεν, Ánarkhos Theós katabébēken , "God, who has no beginning, descended")
"Απόψε Χριστός γεννήθηκε"
("Tonight Christ was born")
Greek Traditional
"Κάλαντα Χριστουγέννων "
("Christmas Carol")
Greek Traditional
Also known simply by its first verse: "Καλήν Εσπέραν Άρχοντες". There exist many local variations of the same carol with changes in the lyrics( ex. Smyrnian , Anatolian , Cretan , Cappadocian , Pontic , Thracian and others)
"Κάλαντα Πελοποννήσου"
("Carols of Peloponnese")
Traditional from Peloponnese
"Christoúgenna, Prōtoúgenna " ("Christmas, Firstmas")
"Κάλαντα Πρωτοχρονιάς"
("New Year's Carols")
Greek Traditional
"Archimēniá ki archichroniá " ("First of the month, first of the year").
"Των Φώτων" ("Epiphany Carols")
Greek Traditional
(Greek: Σήμερα τα φώτα κι ο φωτισμός, "Today is the Epiphany and the Enlightenment")
Hungarian
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Mennyből az angyal" ("Angels from Heaven")
"Pásztorok, Pásztorok"
"Kis karácsony, nagy karácsony" ("Little Christmas, Big Christmas")
"Fel nagy örömre"
"Pásztorok keljünk fel"
"Dicsőség mennyben az Istennek"
"Ó, gyönyörű szép"
"A kis Jézus arany alma"
"Csordapásztorok "
Hungarian Traditional
Indonesian
Title
Composer/lyricist
Year published
Notes
Nunga Jumpang Muse Ari Pesta I (Bataknese)[ 17] [ 18] [ 19]
words by Rev. J. A. U. Doloksaribu, M. Min. (Indonesian and Bataknese)words by Rev. N. Ginting Munthe (Karonese)
These songs are set to Battle Hymn of the Republic tune
Irish
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"An Angel This Night"[ 20] [ 21]
words by Fr. Luke Waddinge
17th century
Irish traditional, Part of "The Kilmore Carols "
"The Angel Said to Joseph Mild"[ 22] [ 21]
words by Fr. Luke Waddinge
17th century
Irish traditional, (Short Carol)
"Behold Three Kings Come From the East"[ 22] [ 21]
words by Fr. Luke Waddinge
17th century
Irish traditional, (Short Carol)
"Christmas Day Is Come" (also known as "The Irish Carol")[ 20] [ 21]
words by Fr. William Devereaux,
18th Century
Irish traditional, Part of "The Kilmore Carols "
"Codail A Linbh" / "Codail a Leanbh" ("Sleep Child")
Lyrics are from 5th century poem, music by Michael McGlynn
"The Kerry Christmas Carol"
Irish traditional
"Curoo Curoo" ("The Carol of the Birds")
Irish traditional
"Dia do Bheatha" ("Welcome")
Irish traditional
"The Darkest Midnight in December"[ 20] [ 21]
words by Fr. William Devereaux
18th century
Irish traditional, Part of "The Kilmore Carols "
"Don Oíche Úd i mBeithil " ("That Night in Bethlehem")
Irish traditional
"The First Day of the Year"[ 20] [ 21]
words by Fr. Luke Waddinge
17th century
Irish traditional, Part of "The Kilmore Carols "
"Hail Ye Flowers of Martyrs"[ 20] [ 21]
words by Fr. Luke Waddinge
17th century
Irish traditional, Part of "The Kilmore Carols "
"Jerusalem, Our Happy Home"[ 20] [ 21]
words by Fr. William Devereaux
18th century
Irish traditional, Part of "The Kilmore Carols "
"Now To Conclude Our Christmas Mirth"[ 20] [ 21]
words by Fr. William Devereaux
18th century
Irish traditional, Part of "The Kilmore Carols "
"Oíche Nollag" ("Christmas Eve")
Irish traditional
"St John did Lean on Jesus' Breast"[ 22] [ 21]
words by Fr. Luke Waddinge
17th century
Irish traditional, (Short Carol)
"St Stephen Had an Angel's Face"[ 22] [ 21]
words by Fr. Luke Waddinge
17th century
Irish traditional, (Short Carol)
"Suantraí na Maighdine" ("The Virgin's Lullaby")
Irish traditional
Also known as "The Christ Child's Lullaby" or "Mary's Lullaby"
"Sweet Jesus Was the Sacred Name"[ 22] [ 21]
words by Fr. Luke Waddinge
17th century
Irish traditional, (Short Carol)
"Sweetest of All Names, Jesus"[ 20] [ 21]
words by Fr. William Devereaux
18th century
Irish traditional, Part of "The Kilmore Carols "
"An Teitheadh go hÉigipt" ("The Flight to Egypt")
Irish traditional
"This Christmass Day You Pray me Sing"[ 22] [ 21]
words by Fr. Luke Waddinge
17th century
Irish traditional, (short Carol)
"This Feast of St Sylvester So Well Deserves a Song"[ 20] [ 21]
words by Fr. William Devereaux
18th century
Irish traditional, Part of "The Kilmore Carols "
"This is our Christmas Day"[ 22] [ 21]
words by Fr. Luke Waddinge
17th century
Irish traditional, (Short Carol)
"This is St Stephen's Day"[ 20] [ 21]
words by Fr. Luke Waddinge
17th century
Irish traditional, Part of "The Kilmore Carols "
"To Greet Our Saviour's Dear One"[ 20] [ 21]
words by Fr. Luke Waddinge
17th century
Irish traditional, Part of "The Kilmore Carols "
"A Virgin Queen in Bethlehem"[ 20] [ 21]
words by Fr. William Devereaux
18th century
Irish traditional, Part of "The Kilmore Carols "
"Wexford Carol " (also "Enniscorthy Carol")
Irish traditional
"Ye Sons of Men with Me Rejoice"[ 23] [ 21]
words by Fr. William Devereaux
18th century
Irish traditional, Part of "The Kilmore Carols "
Italian
Korean
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"The Carol"
words by G-High, 최영경 (Choi Youngkyoung)
music by G-High, 최영경 (Choi Youngkyoung), 박아셀 (Asher Park)
2016
Sung by Heejin , Haseul, and Hyunjin.
"The Carol 2.0"
words by G-High, 최영경 (Choi Youngkyoung)
music by G-High, 최영경 (Choi Youngkyoung), 박아셀 (Asher Park)
2017
Sung by ViVi, Choerry, and Yves.
It is another variation of "The Carol".
"The Carol 3.0"
words by G-High, 최영경 (Choi Youngkyoung)
music by G-High, 최영경 (Choi Youngkyoung), 박아셀 (Asher Park)
2023
Sung by ARTMS .
It is another variation of "The Carol".
There is also an English version of the song.
Latin
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Adeste Fideles" ("O Come, All Ye Faithful ")
attributed to John Francis Wade , Latin words translated by Frederick Oakeley
c. 1743
"Angelus ad Virginem "
13th-century or older.
"Dona nobis pacem "
Perhaps Mozart
A 3-voice round .
"Gaudete " ("Rejoice")
sacred Christmas carol
1582
re-popularized by Steeleye Span (1973)
"Hodie Christus natus est "
Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck
1619
Originally published in Cantiones Sacrae
"In dulci jubilo "
Heinrich Seuse
1328
Macaronic carol known in several translations; melody is also used for the English song "Good Christian Men, Rejoice" (aka, "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice").
"Laetabundus"
attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux
12th century
"O Sanctissima " ("O du Fröhliche" or "Oh, How Joyfully")
Personent hodie
1582
Originally published in Finland, but with Latin lyrics
"Psallite, unigenito"
Michael Praetorius
1609
First published in Musae Sioniae, sechster Theil
"Puer Natus in Bethlehem"
Text early 13th-century] (or older); melody 14th century
Sped up version of a Gregorian chant.
"Pueri Concinite"
Johann von Herbeck
1868
First performed in the Imperial Chapel, Vienna, on Christmas.
"Resonet in laudibus "
14th century
Malay
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Anak Yesus dilahirkan" ("Little Jesus has Born")
"Kelahiran Penebus"
St Dominic
"Gloria"
St Dominic
"Malak Bergemar" ("Angels Sings")
Cahaya Natal ("Christmas Light")
Advent Hymns
Ada Seru Kedengaran
Advent Hymns
Berjaga-Jagalah
Advent Hymns
Penantian Penebus ("Await of Messiah")
St John, Tuaran
2019
Advent Hymns
Norwegian
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Musevisa "
Alf Prøysen
1946
Lyrics are by Prøysen, set to a traditional tune[ 24]
Occitan
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"La Cambo me fai mau" ("My leg hurts")
Nicolas Saboly / anonymous
Polish
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Ach, ubogi żłobie" ("Oh, the humble manger")
Piotr Studziński / anonymous
17th century
"Ach, witajże pożądana" ("Oh, to be greeting desired")
Traditional
<1908
"Anioł pasterzom mówił" ("The angel told the shepherds")
Traditional
1551–1555
"A wczora z wieczora" ("And yesterday on evening")
Traditional
<1630
"Będzie kolęda" ("It will be a carol")
Andrzej Zieliński [pl ] / Wojciech Młynarski
1968
Skaldowie
"Bóg się rodzi" ("God Is Born ")
Franciszek Karpiński
1792
"Bracia patrzcie jeno" ("Brothers let you look on how the sky is burning")
Franciszek Karpiński
<1825
"Do szopy, hej, pasterze" ("To the shed, hey, shepherds")
Traditional
"Dzisiaj w Betlejem" ("Today in Bethlehem")
Traditional
1878
"Gdy się Chrystus rodzi" ("When the Christ's being born")
Traditional
1843
"Gdy śliczna Panna" ("As the beautiful Virgin [cradled Her Son]")
Traditional
beginning of 18th century
"Gore gwiazda Jezusowi" ("A star is shining to Jesus")
Traditional
18th century
"Hej, w dzień narodzenia" ("Hey, on the day of the Nativity")
Traditional
"Jest taki dzień" ("There is such a day")
Seweryn Krajewski / Krzysztof Dzikowski
1966
Czerwone Gitary
"Jezus malusieńki" ("The wee baby Jesus")
Traditional
"Kolęda dla nieobecnych" ("A carol for absent")
Szymon Mucha
1997
"Lulajże, Jezuniu" (Sleep now, baby Jesus")
Traditional
1738
Frédéric Chopin used this Christmas carol in the Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
"Mędrcy świata, Monarchowie" ("O, Sages of the world, Monarchs")
Traditional
17th century
"Jezusa narodzonego" ("Born Jesus [let's all greet]")
Traditional
18th century
"Mizerna, cicha" ("Humble and quiet [shabby little stable]")
Jan Gall / Teofil Lenartowicz
1849
"Nie było miejsca dla Ciebie" ("There was no place for You")
Jozef Las / Mateusz Jez[ 25]
1932
"Nowy Rok bieży" ("New Year is coming")
Traditional
17th century
"Nużeśmy chrześcijanie"
Traditional
"O gwiazdo betlejemska" ("O betlehem star")
Zygmunt Odelgiewicz, Alojzy Orszulok
19th century
"Oj, Maluśki, Maluśki, Maluśki" ("Oh, Tiny Little [like a little glove]")
Traditional highland-style
<1808
"Pasterze mili coście widzieli" ("Kind shepherds what you've seen")
Traditional
<1752
"Pójdźmy wszyscy do stajenki" ("Let us go to the little shed")
Traditional
<1842 in Kraków
"Północ już była" ("Midnight was already [when it appeared]")
Traditional
~1843
"Przybieżeli do Betlejem" ("To Betlehem came [the shepherds]")
Traditional
17th century
"Skrzypi wóz" ("The cart creaks")
Karol Miarka
1904
"Tryumfy Króla Niebieskiego" ("The Triumphs of the Heaven's King")
Traditional
1754
"Wesołą nowinę" ("The joyous news [hear, o my brothers]")
Traditional / Józef Wygrzywalski
"Uciekali, uciekali" ("They ran away, ran away")
Agata Miklaszewska, Maryna Miklaszewska
1991
"W kropki zielone" ("With green dotted")
Krzesimir Dębski / Jan Twardowski
1998
sung by Ewa Małas-Godlewska
"Wśród nocnej ciszy " ("In the night silence")
Traditional
<1853
"W żłobie leży" ("Infant Holy, Infant Lowly ")
Piotr Skarga
17th century
"Z narodzenia Pana" ("Because of the Lord's birth [it's a joyful day]")
Traditional
1842
"Zdrów bądź, królu anjelski"
Traditional
1424
Portuguese
Romanian
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"O, ce veste minunată! "
("Oh. what wonderful news")
D.G. Kiriac
"Pluguşorul "
("The little plow")
Traditional
related rather to New Year's Eve
"Deschide uşa, creştine!"
("Open the door, christian")
Traditional
"Linu-i lin"
Traditional
"Florile dalbe"
("The whitened flowers")
Traditional
"Domn, domn sa-năltăm!"
("Lord, lord, let's praise")
Gheorghe Cucu
"Leganelul Lui Iisus"
("Jesus' swing")
Valentin Teodorian
"Asta-i seara de Craciun"
(It's the Christmas evening")
Traditional
"Mos Craciun cu plete dalbe"
("Santa Claus with whithened hair")
Ioan D. Chirescu
"Cantec de Craciun"
("Christmas song")
Traditional
"Trei Pastori"
("Three shepherds")
Timotei Popovici
"Sus la Poarta Raiului"
("High at the Heaven's gate")
Emil Montia
Colindița
("The little carol will be over")
Traditional
La casa de peste drum
("At the house over the road")
Tradițional
După dealul cel mai mare
("Over the largest hill")
Traditional
Slobozî-ne gazdă-n casă
("Let us, host, in the house")
Traditional
Din an în an
("From year to year")
Traditional
Oaspeți cu azur în gene
("Guest with azure in the genes")
Nichifor Crainic
Steaua sus răsare
("The star is rising high")
Traditional
Astăzi s-a născut Hristos
("Today Christ was born")
Traditional
Cerul și pământul
("The Heavens and the earth")
Traditional
Iată vin colindători
("Here they come, carol singers")
Traditional
La Viflaim colo-n jos
("In Bethleem, down")
Traditional
Mărire-ntru cele-nalte
("Praise the high")
Traditional
Sculați gazde, nu dormiți
(Wake up, hosts, don't sleep")
Traditional
Noapte de vis
("Dream night")
Traditional
O, brad frumos
Adapted from various carols such as "Oh, Tannenbaum"
Sus, boieri, nu mai dormiți
("Wake up, boyars(lords), don't sleep")
Traditional
Trei crai de la Răsărit
("Three princes from Orient")
Traditional
Afara ninge linistit
("Outside it's snowing peacefuly")
Traditional
Aseara pe-nserate
("Yesternight in the evening")
Traditional
An cu an de-a randul
("Year by year, every time")
Traditional
A sosit ziua cea sfanta
("The holy day has come")
Traditional
Astazi-i sara sara mare
Traditional
A coborat pe pamant
("He descended onto earth")
Traditional
Buna dimineata, la Mos Ajun
("Good morning, Old Man Eve")
Traditional
Buna seara, gazda mare
("Good evening, great host")
Traditional
Buna veste-n zori
("Good news at dawn")
Traditional
Scottish
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Taladh Chriosda " ("Christ's Lullaby")
Traditional
known among English speakers as "The Christ-Child's Lullaby", as popularized by Marjory Kennedy-Fraser
"Baloo, Lammy" ("Lullaby, Little Lamb")
Traditional
Spanish
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Arre borriquito" (Sic. "Giddy up little donkey")
Music: Ricardo Boronat
Lyrics: Diego San José de la Torre
Between 1925 and 1930
Military origin, which explains the drum-based backdrop[ 26]
"Hacia Belén va una burra" ("To Bethlehem goes a donkey")
Father Antonio Soler
18th century
Very popular in both Spain and LATAM, composed by a religious scholar (allegedly) of Castilian origin[ 27]
"Ay del chiquirritín" (Sic. "oh little boy")
Traditional
Unknown
Probably of Andalusian or Navarran origin[ 28]
"La marimorena"
Traditional, based on a Spanish drinking song
1702
Tells the story of the interruption of a religious ceremony by a popular celebration, among which was a certain "María Morena" who gives the carol its name.[ 29]
"Campana sobre campana" or "Campanas de Belén" ("Bells of Bethlehem")
Traditional
Early 20th century
One of the most translated Spanish carols, believed to be of Andalusian origin[ 30]
"Dime niño de quién eres" ("Tell me boy, where do you come from")
Traditional
18th century
Murcia or Andalusian origin.
"Canta, ríe y bebe" ("Sing, laugh and drink")
Traditional, adapted by Manuel Navarro Mollor
20th century
Originally a popular song with very edgy lyrics, was later adapted by the Francoist censorsip to be more appropriate.[ 31]
"Ya vienen los Reyes Magos" ("The three wise men are coming already")
Traditional, adapted by Manuel Navarro Mollor
18th century
Origin unclear.
"Madre, en la puerta hay un niño" ("Mother, there's a boy at the door")
Traditional
Unknown
Origin unclear. Tells the story of baby Christ knocking on people's doors, asking for refuge from the cold.
"Ya viene la vieja" ("The old hag is coming already" )
Traditional
Unknown
Popular Castilian song about an old lady who comes to give the Christmas aguinaldo .
"Los peces en el río"
Traditional
"Alegría, alegría, alegría"
Traditional
"Pastores venid"
Traditional
"A la Nanita Nana "
Juan Francisco Muñoz y Pavón
1904
The song was compiled by musicologist Kurt Schindler in his work "Folk music and poetry of Spain and Portugal".
"Vamos todos a Belen"
"Vamos cantemos somos ocho" (Let us sing, we are eight)
Benito Cabrera
1995
Traditional carol from the Canary Islands, recently updated to include all eight independent islands.
Swedish
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Giv mig ej glans, ej guld, ej prakt " ("Give Me No Splendour, Gold, or Pomp")
words by Zachris Topelius (1887); music by Jean Sibelius (1909)
Finland Swedish song
"Gläns över sjö och strand " ("Shine Over the Lake and the Shore")
words by Viktor Rydberg (1891) music by Alice Tegnér (1893)
"När det lider mot jul " ("When Christmas Has Come")
words by Jeanna Oterdahl ; music by Ruben Liljefors (1909)
"Jul, jul, strålande jul " ("Christmas, Christmas, Glorious Christmas")
words by Edvard Evers ; music by Gustaf Nordqvist
1921
"Nu har vi ljus här i vårt hus " ("We have Kindled the Candles in Our House Now")
in Sweden it is tradition to dance around the Christmas tree and sing, this being one of the traditional songs sung
"Nu tändas tusen juleljus " ("We Have Kindled Thousands of Christmas Lights Now")
words and music by Emmy Köhler
"Räven raskar över isen " (The Fox Is Sliding Over the Ice)
in Sweden it is tradition to dance around the Christmas tree and sing, this being one of the traditional songs sung
"Sankta Lucia" ("Santa Lucia ")
"Var hälsad, sköna morgonstund " ("All Hail to Thee, O Blessed Morn")
words by Johan Olof Wallin; music by Philipp Nicolai
Ukrainian
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Бог предвічний народився" Boh predvičnyj narodyvsia "
1790[ 32]
Probably considered the quintessential Ukrainian carol
"Небо і земля нині торжествують" "Nebo i zemlia nyni torzhestvuiut" [uk ]
1790[ 32]
Refrain is often sung as a round.
"Бог ся рождає" "Boh sia rozhdaie" [uk ]
Ostap Nyzhankivsky
"Во Вифлиємі нині новина" "Vo Vyfleiemi nyni novyna" [uk ]
Ostap Nyzhankivsky
"Добрий вечір тобі, пане господарю" Dobryi vechir tobi, pane hospodariu [uk ]
Sung when caroling, upon arrival at a house; not used in church.
"Нова радість стала" "Nova radist stala" [uk ]
1790[ 32]
На небі зірка ясна засяла
Ой по всім світі сталася новина"Oi po vsim sviti stalasia novyna" [uk ]
Ой як сей ґазда з дому відходив"Oi yak sei gazda z domu vidkhodyv" [uk ]
"Виді Бог, виді Сотворитель" "Vydi Boh, vydi Sotvorytel" [uk ]
apocryphal Kyrylo Stetsenko
1790[ 32]
Спи, Ісусе, спи
"Днесь поюще" "Dnes poyusche" (Singing Today)
arranged by Kyrylo Stetsenko
"Щедрик" Shchedryk "
arranged by Mykola Leontovych
Not truly a Christmas carol, but rather, a secular song of good wishes for prosperity, traditionally sung on Щедрий Вечір (Shchedryi Vechir, i.e. Theophany Eve). Melody used for the English "Carol of the Bells " and, in the 1970s-1980s, for André champagne commercials.
See also: List of Ukrainian Koliadkas and Shchedrivkas [uk ]
Vietnamese
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Hang Bêlem" ("The Cave of Bethlehem")
Hải Linh (Composer) / Minh Châu (Lyrics)
1945
Welsh
Title
Composer / Lyricist
Year published
Notes
"Ar Hyd y Nos " ("All Through the Night")
Edward Jones (Composer) / John Ceiriog Hughes (Welsh lyrics)
1784
translated into English as "All Through the Night" with English lyrics by Harold Boulton (English Lyrics)
"Oer yw'r gŵr sy'n methu caru"
Thomas Oliphant (English lyrics)
1862-74
rendered in English as "Deck the Hall "
"Tua Bethlem Dref"
David Evann (composer) / Wil Ifan (lyricist)
1934
rendered in English as "Towards Bethlehem Town"
See also
References
^ "Christmas carols vs. Christmas songs: Do you know the difference between the two?" . 680 News Archived from the original on 28 June 2018. Retrieved 11 October 2021 .^ El Noi de la Mare (Carol of the Gifts) ISBN 978-0-19-336553-7 . Retrieved 15 November 2017 .^ Sargent, Malcolm (23 November 1961). Zither Carol ISBN 978-0-19-341984-1 . Retrieved 15 November 2017 . ^ Folkehøjskolens Sangbog . Odense: Foreningen for Folkehøjskolen i Danmark. 1989. pp. Numbers 43–69. ISBN 87-7001-189-3 ^ "Den Danske Salmebog Online" . www.dendanskesalmebogonline.dk . Retrieved 15 November 2017 .^ nl:Nu zijt wellekome accessed 16 October 2014^ http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/glory_to_god_ere_zij_god.htm (accessed 16 October 2014, 1:26 AM)^ "A Christmas Carol" . Song of America .^ Husk, William Henry. Songs of the Nativity, London: John Camden Hotten, Chiswick Press, 1884, p. 150 (first part of book; contains lyrics and song information), https://archive.org/details/songsofnativityb00husk/page/150 & p. 199 (second part of book; contains sheet music), https://archive.org/details/songsofnativityb00husk/page/198
^ Rice, Jo (1982). The Guinness Book of 500 Number One Hits (1st ed.). Enfield, Middlesex: Guinness Superlatives Ltd. p. 141. ISBN 978-0-85112-250-2 ^ "All the songs Official Site of Negro Spirituals, antique Gospel Music" . www.negrospirituals.com . Archived from the original on 31 December 2018. Retrieved 27 December 2018 .^ Uusi Kuwa-Aapinen. Lukukirja kodille, kierto- ja sunnuntai-kouluille. P. 27. Toinen korjattu ja lisätty painos. Weilin & Göös 1876, Jyväskylä, Finland.
^ Reijo Pajamo. Taas kaikki kauniit muistot. Joululaulujen taustat ja tarinat. P. 67–69. WSOY, Finland, 1982. ISBN 951-0-11444-8 .
^ Kalevi Toiviainen. G. O. Schöneman ja hänen seurakuntansa. Teoksessa Seurakunta kasvavassa Jyväskylässä. P. 9–27, 21. Oy Keskisuomalainen, Jyväskylä, Finland, 1975.
^ Reijo Pajamo. Taas kaikki kauniit muistot. Joululaulujen taustat ja tarinat. P. 68. WSOY, Finland, 1982. ISBN 951-0-11444-8 .
^ "Noel Nouvelet - French Noel" . www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com . Retrieved 15 November 2017 .^ "NUNGA JUMPANG MUSE ARI PESTA (BE 57)" . Alkitab by Sabda . Retrieved 12 April 2022 .^ "KEE 114 Sendah Jumpa Kita Wari Raya E" . GBKP KM 8 (in Indonesian). Retrieved 12 April 2022 .^ "SUDAH TIBA HARI RAYA YANG KUDUS (BN 57)" . Alkitab by Sabda . Retrieved 12 April 2022 .^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Ranson, Joseph.(1949)The Past: The Organ of the Uí Cinsealaigh Historical Society, 5. 61-102 retrieved from Hymns and Carols of Christmas.com 11 December 2017 (Part 1 pp 61-67) http://www.askaboutireland.ie/aai-files/assets/libraries/wexford-county-library/reading-room/history-heritage/traditions-and-customs/ransons-article-on-the-kilmore-carols.pdf (Part 2 pp 68-102) http://www.askaboutireland.ie/aai-files/assets/libraries/wexford-county-library/reading-room/history-heritage/traditions-and-customs/ransons-article-on-the-kilmore-carols-continued.pdf
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t "Christmas Carols of Waddinge and Devereux" . www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com . Retrieved 13 December 2023 .^ a b c d e f g Wall, Thomas (1960) A Pious Garland Being the December Letter and Christmas Carols of Luke Wadding. Dublin: M.H. Gill and Son. Retrieved from Hymns and Carols of Christmas.com 11 December 2017 http://www.askaboutireland.ie/aai-files/assets/libraries/wexford-county-library/reading-room/history-heritage/traditions-and-customs/the-christmas-songs-of-luke-wadding-pdf.pdf
^ Ranson, Joseph.(1949)The Past: The Organ of the Uí Cinsealaigh Historical Society, 5. 61-102 retrieved from Hymns and Carols of Christmas.com 11 December 2017 http://www.askaboutireland.ie/aai-files/assets/libraries/wexford-county-library/reading-room/history-heritage/traditions-and-customs/ransons-article-on-the-kilmore-carols.pdf
^ "Aftenposten" . Archived from the original on 22 June 2011. Retrieved 23 December 2008 .^ Wielgosz, Zbigniew (26 December 2013). "Nie było miejsca dla Ciebie" . gosc.pl . Gość Niedzielny. Retrieved 4 April 2024 . ^ " . Las Provincias (in European Spanish). 9 December 2015. Retrieved 24 December 2022 .^ Aleman, Ana Lucía (13 November 2021). "🌠Hacia Belén Va Una Burra (Rin Rin)🐴" . Cancioncitas (in Spanish). Retrieved 24 December 2022 . ^ "El origen de los villancicos, las canciones típicas de la Navidad" . historia.nationalgeographic.com.es (in Spanish). 21 December 2020. Retrieved 24 December 2022 .^ GranadaBlogs (2 January 2015). "Historia de los villancicos populares: 'La marimorena' . Noticias Gente (in Spanish). Retrieved 24 December 2022 . ^ GranadaBlogs (29 December 2014). "Historia de los villancicos populares: 'Campana sobre campana' . Noticias Gente (in Spanish). Retrieved 24 December 2022 . ^ Raude44 (15 December 2021). "NO HAY VUELTA ATRÁS...: ORIGEN DE LOS VILLANCICOS MÁS FAMOSOS EN ESPAÑA (PARTE 2)" . NO HAY VUELTA ATRÁS.. . Retrieved 24 December 2022 . {{cite web }}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link )^ a b c d First printed in the "Bohohlasnyk" [uk ] , a collection of religious songs, late 18th century
